Eating Habits and Meals

Ivorian nationals also have their local eating and cooking habits. In villages and families which are still very attached to their traditions, it is common for people to eat with their fingers. As regards Ivorian cuisine, the most favorite dishes are the attiéké which is made of cassava and generally accompanied by meat or fish in sauce, the kedjenou which is steamed chicken with vegetables in banana leaves, and the n'voufou which is a banana or yam mash mixed with palm oil and accompanied by an eggplant sauce.

Ivoirians are hospitable, generous people who enjoy inviting others to join for a meal. In a typical village, villagers sometimes eat together in a common area. They believe that food gives the body nourishment but also unites the community. Women and girls are in one group, young boys in another, and men in the third group. Most villagers eat on a large mat placed on the ground. With their right hand (the left is considered dirty), villagers will scoop up their food from large bowls placed in the center of the mat for everyone to share.

The eldest villagers eat first in order to detect contaminated food. If bad food is found, they will stop the younger members from eating it. Once everyone has begun eating, it is considered rude and selfish to reach across the table. Villagers want to make sure that everyone receives an equal amount of food. Coughing, sneezing, and talking during the meal are discouraged. If a person needs to cough or sneeze, they will exit the table before doing so. After the meal is over, a bowl of water is passed around to cleanse the hands. Talking amongst the villagers will resume as the diners relax to digest their meal.